This section will help you resolve a complaint about a service or product. In some instances it may be best to go back to the place where you bought the product or service. In other cases, it may be better to write or call the consumer affairs department at the company's headquarters. Even if you decide to go directly back to the seller, let the consumer affairs department of the company know about your complaint. These offices are set up within companies because they want to hear from you. This section lists the names and addresses of more than 650 corporate headquarters and, in many cases, the name of the person to contact. Many listings also include toll free numbers and TDD (Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf) numbers.

Many of the companies listed in CRH are members of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business (SOCAP). An international professional organization established in 1973, SOCAP provides training, conferences and publications to encourage and maintain the integrity of business in transactions with consumers; to encourage and promote effective communication and understanding among business, government and consumers; and to define and advance the consumer affairs profession. Today, SOCAP has 2,600 members representing more than 1,500 companies, including large national or multinational firms, as well as small to midsize companies, throughout the U.S. and Canada. Associate members represent Federal, state and local government agencies, universities, and consumer organizations. SOCAP offers consumer affairs/customer service professionals networking opportunities, professional journals and newsletters, salary and job description surveys, and access to its resource center and bookstore.

The Society's goal is to improve the marketplace for consumers by addressing their concerns within the corporate structures. SOCAP members are identified in the Corporate Consumer Contacts section of CRH by a mobius strip, which is part of SOCAP's official logo, and symbolizes the unbroken connection between good business and customer satisfaction and loyalty. For more information, contact SOCAP at 801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 404, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-519-3700; Fax: 703-549-4886; e-mail: socap@aol.com or on the web at: http://www.socap.org

If you do not find the name of the company you are looking for in this section, check the product label or warranty for the name and address of the manufacturer. Public libraries also have helpful information. The Standard & Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and Executives; Trade Names Directory; Standard Directory of Advertisers; and Dun & Bradstreet Directory are four sources that list information about most firms. If you cannot find the name of the manufacturer, the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers lists the manufacturers of thousands of products.

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